Geography Teacher is a professional who teaches students about physical and regional geography, earth sciences, how technology relates to geography and environmental or cultural elements of the discipline. Geography Teachers expose students to the relationship between people and their geographic region and how humans might have adapted to their surroundings. They might use visual materials or technology to assist students in learning geographic topics. In addition to developing and teaching lesson plans, geography teachers could plan field trips and research projects that present geographical elements of local, international or unique areas.
Geography Teachers have a lot of career scopes after passing prescribed courses for becoming a teacher. Geography subject has wide scope in many fields both in teaching or searching. A course in Geography covers almost all the subjects such as environment, people, economy, ocean, physical features of the earth, agriculture, natural resources etc.
Geography Teacher Eligibility
The minimum educational qualification for becoming a Geography Teacher is Bachelor’s Degree with Geography and some certain qualification like B.Ed., J.B.T. and CTET exams, etc.
Geography Teacher Required Skills
- Geography Teachers must be able to use a variety of teaching techniques such as whole class lessons, discussions, individual or group projects and field trips; using a range of materials including textbooks, worksheets, maps, computers, audio-visual aids and whiteboards; organising and directing the whole class and helping individual pupils as required.
- They also have an interest in child development and an understanding of how children learn; patience and adaptability; enthusiasm and energy; confidence; a firm and assertive approach when necessary.
- They also must be critical thinker such as using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- They should be complex problem solving like identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
How to become a Geography Teacher?
One has to follow below mentioned given steps for becoming a Geography Teacher-
Step 1
The education necessary to become a Geography Teacher varies based on the state and the type of school an individual chooses to work. Public elementary, middle and high schools typically require completing an undergraduate program that combines a major in geography with a teacher education program. They also have to complete some certain degrees for being qualified for this job like B.Ed. J.B.T. it depends on the requirement of the institute is going to have a job.
Degree Courses:
- B.A. (Geography)
- B.A. (Hons.) (Geography)
- B.Sc. (Geography)
- B.Sc. (Hons.) (Geography)
Certain Certificates along with Degree:
- B.Ed. (Bachelor of Education)
- JBT (Junior Basic Training)
- CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test)
Step 2
At some places, teachers require a Master's Degree before or shortly after becoming a teacher. In India, every state has its own rules and regulations for recruiting school teachers and also it is different in private schools. Every state has its own state-level eligibility tests like HTET in Haryana and PTET in Punjab and the like in other states.
Master Degree courses:
- M.A. (Geography)
- M.Sc. (Applied Geography)
- M.Sc. (Geography)
Institutes offering Courses for Geography Teacher
- University of Madras, Chennai
- University of Delhi (DU), Delhi
- Banasthali Vidhyapith, Tonk
- Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla
Geography Teacher Job Description
The main jobs of the geography teacher are:
- They teach courses in geography.
- Also, evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Moreover, they also compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- They initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- They maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- They also prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Geography Teacher Career Prospects
- There is a good scope of jobs after been qualified at many places like local government, the armed forces, private companies, environmental consultancies, environmental protection agencies, utilities, charities, information systems organisations, education, commerce, industry, transport, tourism and the Civil Service.
- They can also have jobs in the environmental field.
- They have good scope in teaching fields like schools of all levels.
- They can also have jobs in the companies conducting Geographical Surveys.
Geography Teacher Salary
The initial salary of a Geography Teachers in private schools is ranging from Rs.25,000 to Rs.30,000 per month but it may vary from place to place. In government schools, their pay scale is more than this due to the 6th Pay Commission. They are earning a monthly salary starting from Rs.40,000 to Rs.50,000 but it may also be subjected to vary from state to state as in some of the states 6th Pay Commission is not implemented.
